Finland’s education system is often held up as an example of success, consistently ranking highly in international assessments of student performance.
But what sets it apart from other education systems?
One key factor is that Finland achieves more from its students by doing less. At the same time, there are also areas where Finland does more than other education systems.
Less is More in Finnish Education
Finland’s education system emphasizes a few key principles that contrast with many other systems worldwide.
These include:
Less standardized testing: Finnish teachers use a range of assessment methods, such as classroom observations and teacher-made tests, to evaluate student progress. This reduces the focus on high-stakes tests and allows teachers to take a more nuanced approach to understanding their students’ learning.
Less homework: Finnish students have very little homework, especially in primary school. Instead, they are encouraged to spend time pursuing hobbies and interests outside of school. This can help prevent burnout and foster a love of learning.
Less competition: Finnish education places less emphasis on competition between students and schools. Instead, the focus is on collaboration and support. This creates a more positive and supportive learning environment.
Fewer hours in the classroom: Finnish students spend fewer hours in the classroom compared to most countries. This allows for more time for self-directed learning and independent study. It also means that students have more time for extracurricular activities, which can foster a range of skills and interests.
More is More in Finnish Education
While Finland’s education system does “less” in some respects, there are also areas where it does “more” than other systems.
These include:
More play-based learning: Finnish education emphasizes the importance of play-based learning, particularly for young children. This approach is believed to foster creativity, imagination, and social skills. Eduten is an example of play-based learning, with its gamification of math.
More collaborative learning: Finnish classrooms often emphasize collaborative learning, where students work together on projects and assignments. This promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
High level of teacher autonomy: Finnish teachers have a high degree of autonomy in the classroom, which means they are trusted to make decisions about what and how to teach based on their professional judgment. High levels of teacher training and professional development support this trust.
More individualized support: Finnish schools provide individualized support for students who are struggling. This includes extra help from teachers, counselors, and other professionals as needed. This helps to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
More teacher training: Finnish teachers are highly trained, with all teachers holding at least a master’s degree. This rigorous training ensures that teachers are well-prepared to meet the needs of their students. It also helps to elevate the teaching profession and attract talented individuals to the field.
As educators around the world seek to improve their own systems, they can look to Finland as a model for what’s possible. The Finnish approach seems to achieve more with less, while also exploring innovative solutions like Eduten’s AI-driven learning analytics, which can help reduce teacher workload and make learning more engaging and fun for students through gamified learning. Eduten highlights how Finnish education embraces research-based technology to improve student outcomes.
In conclusion, the Finnish approach to education has shown that less can be more, while also demonstrating areas where more can be done. By focusing on collaboration, creativity, and individualized support, Finland has created a system that supports student success and fosters a love of learning.
